Music at Christ Church - Collecting and Performance

Much of the music displayed in this exhibition was donated to Christ Church by Henry Aldrich (1648-1710), who was an undergraduate at this college, then a tutor, sub-dean, and finally dean.

Aldrich knew that his large and impressive collection of manuscript and printed music contained many 'things of value in themselves, and to be found in very few Libraries'. Among the volumes and documents on display: the exquisite Robert Dow's partbooks (c.1580), William Byrd's Mass for four voices (c.1592), John Blow's autograph score of Gesta Britannica (c.1695), autograph sketches by Richard Goodson Sr (late 17th century), a rare autograph manuscript of an ode by Henry Aldrich (1679) and the Sarum Antiphonale printed in Paris in 1519.

The exhibition curated by John Milsom, assisted by Cristina Neagu, will be open between 2 November 2012 to 11 January 2013. Visiting hours Monday - Friday: 9.30 am - 1.00 pm; 2.00 pm - 4.30 pm (provided there is a member of staff available in the Upper Library).